Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia?

Yes, bronchitis can turn into pneumonia. Bronchitis can be brought on by bacteria or viruses like colds or flues causing swelling of the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. Because of this constriction mucous can gather along the passageway increasing bacterial growth that leads to pneumonia.

Pneumonia is caused by a weakened immune system being exposed to a certain bacteria. If you have bronchitis for a prolonged period of time, it can weaken the immune system and allow for it to catch pneumonia.